The National Insulation Association’s Guide to the Green Homes Grant Scheme: what we know so far
Become a Green Homes Grant installer
Register as a certified installer with TrustMark
To ensure quality assurance and customer confidence, only TrustMark registered tradespeople can carry out installation work under the Green Homes Grant scheme. Those installing energy measures must also be certified to do so against PAS standards: PAS 2030:2017, PAS 2030:2019, or PAS 2035: 2019 for park homes, high rise buildings and buildings that are both traditionally constructed and protected.
Registered TrustMark installers will be added to a directory and can be contacted by customers looking to obtain a quote. Homeowners will be able to search for local installers using the Government’s Simple Energy Saving Advice Service.
Register to be a Green Homes Grant installer
TrustMark registered businesses can register to be a Green Homes Grant installer.
Installers will be asked to accept the Terms and Conditions of the scheme and provide details for payment. They will also need to register for each of the measures they intend to install.
To register, you will need authority to act on behalf of the business, your TrustMark licence number, and the email address associated with your TrustMark account. If your business also installs low carbon heat measures such as heat pumps, you will also need to provide your MCS license number.
Quoting for work
Green Homes Grant installers will be able to quote for energy efficiency work under the scheme. Quotes should reflect the total cost of work, including materials, labour and VAT.
Quotes should not be any higher than what would have been issued outside of the Green Homes Grant scheme. Customers are required to have at least one quote from a registered installer to apply but are advised to obtain at least three quotes to ensure best value for money.
If the customer’s application is successful, the voucher will contain the name of the installer or business they have selected to carry out the works.
Timescales
Green Homes Grant scheme vouchers expire after a period of three months, or when the scheme closes on 31st March 2021. The work agreed must be complete and the voucher redeemed before its expiry.
Customers are able to apply for an extension on the vouchers, provided the scheme is still open. Work should only begin once the voucher has been issued to the homeowner. Any work carried out beforehand cannot be claimed under the scheme.
Payment
Deposits
Any deposits requested by the installer should be in line with the normal amount charged, and should not exceed the customer’s expected contribution based on the quote provided. Deposits from customers eligible for the low income scheme vouchers should not be requested unless the cost of the measures exceeds £10,000.
Customer contributions
Where a customer contribution is required, this is considered a condition of voucher eligibility. Accepting non-payment or covering costs to secure work will make the voucher invalid and constitute fraud.
Voucher redemptions
Green Homes Grant scheme vouchers represent the cost that will be covered by the Government. This will be paid directly to the installer once the work has been completed and the voucher has been redeemed. To redeem the voucher, the household will need to provide a dated copy of the invoice issued by the installer.
The homeowner will also need to confirm that:
– the installation was completed satisfactorily before the voucher expiry date
– they have received the necessary documents from the installer
– they have paid their share of the costs to the installer (if applicable)
-they meet the relevant eligibility requirements
Help and Support
Green Homes Grant installer enquiries
installer.green-homes-grant@beis.gov.uk
A word from Derek Horrocks – NIA Chairman
“The Green Homes Grant scheme is a much-needed intervention and a crucial part of delivering a green economic recovery. The unprecedented interest our members have received from homeowners and landlords in recent weeks is testament to that. It is a lifeline for many small energy efficiency and construction businesses, including members of the National Insulation Association, and should create huge job opportunities. Many are hopeful that this will be the start of nationwide revolution in the energy performance of our homes.
Businesses all over England will benefit, particularly in the context of economic uncertainty when people are less likely or perhaps more reluctant to have work done on their homes. Industry working practices are in place for companies to deliver work in a safe manner. We should treat this as a pilot scheme for longer term spend on energy efficiency: if take up goes as well as hoped, this could be the start of something huge.”